1Borneo, not just a shopping paradise

THE last time I took a plane ride to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah was over 10 years ago and although I did not remember much of it I did not think that it would be that quick— 25 minutes from Brunei International Airport to Kota Kinabalu (KK) International Airport.

The new KK airport is definitely bigger and better, I was impressed. I was in KK some time earlier this year for a course but this time around I had only one destination in mind—1Borneo, the much hyped about biggest hypermall on the island of Borneo at 4.8 million square foot complex, it was indeed spectecular. I kept on hearing about it from friends and relatives and I was psyched to finally be able to experience it for myself. This was certainly an adventure that i did not want to miss out at all.

The great thing about 1Borneo is that it is only 20 minutes drive from the airport. Located along Jalan Sulaman Highway it is a neighbour to Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and is just 10 minutes drive from the city centre. Prior to my arrival to 1Borneo, like any other tourist, I too had done my homework on the hotel I would be staying as to get the best deals possible in and what I was to expect from the hypermall, besides the personal accounts I had heard from people who had travelled and visited these places.

I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the pictures of the hotel from its website stayed true to its image—Novotel 1Borneo, my residence for the weekend was indeed fresh and contemporary. The yellow arch outside the hotel perked my tired self immediately. Upon entering the lobby the first thing that caught my attention was the lights surrounding the bar on the first floor—it changes every second! Interesting touch.

My group and I were welcomed by the PR staff assigned to show us around and after 15 minutes of rest tour the sights we did from the facilities and services offered by the hotel. Not only did we tour Novotel but we were also given the opportunity two other hotels, Mercure Kota Kinabalu and Courtyard Hotel which is just a few minutes walk away from each other.

Mercure is similar but different to Novotel in so many ways but on first impression I would say that the previous is best suited for the business traveller who wishes for a home away from home. Courtyard Hotel has about the same concept as Novotel and Mercure and that is being modern and contemporary. The only difference is that all rooms at Courtyard are only equipped with showers and no tubs—a plus for those who like to sing in the shower but not for those who enjoy a long relaxing soak in the tub.

While touring the hotels I could not help but be distracted by the colour themes and choice of decorations and furnishing for the rooms from the walls, carpets and also curtains which are of rich earthy colours and also full of texture and design. The room rates when compared to the wonderful state of the rooms and hotel service are a definite value for money.

We had lunch at Fish and Co which is a minute's walk from Novotel and is at the entrance of 1Borneo's South Atrium. Who doesn't love Fish and Co which serves the best fish and chips in town. After my first taste of it in KL, I always make it a point to eat at any one of their franchises wherever I am and was pleased to see that it can be found at 1Borneo.

After eating, I could finally take in the interior of 1Borneo and people have told me no lies. It is huge! I found myself automatically comparing it with Midvalley Megamall in Kuala Lumpur, West Malaysia which is the biggest mall there in competition with One Utama Mall which seems to be growing in phases everytime I drop by. We were told and later discovered that there are about four floors from lower ground to the second floor and has a North, Centre and South Atrium where people can touch base and in my opinion to get their bearings straight. One can get lost in a mall such as 1Borneo. Even an avid shopper as myself, I held on to my pocket mall directory.

So what is all the craze about 1Borneo? Reputed to be the new era of lifestyle, fashion and entertainment for Borneans, it has everything from accessories, fashion for men and ladies to cosmetics as well as home deco and furnishing and the best thing is, they still have more to offer as not everything is completed but will be in time for their official opening in the first half of 2009. One that I am especially looking forward to seeing is the 1Borneo Seaworld which is still under construction. An underwater park, it is a 750,000 million litre walk-through aquarium which promises to showcase over 5,000 species of marine life. I was made more excited to hear that they would be bringing in penguins! Penguins in Borneo, fancy that and this tidbit I excitedly shared with my little sister who made me promise to take her to 1Borneo's Seaworld once it opens.

The hypermall also prides itself upon it's cultural and handicraft centre called 1Borneo Rainforest which showcases traditional performances such as dances from Sabah's ethnic groups as well as souvenirs.

Besides what seems to be endless rows and corners of store outlets, restaurants and cafes, 1Borneo is also set to be the centre of entertainment with some lots still available to interested parties—much of the space on the Second Floor is dedicated to entertain visitors.

As a woman, I immediately scanned the directory to mark the must-visit outlets so I can maximise my shopping time. I was excited and had to control my breathing, symptoms of what I instantly recognised as being the shop-till-you-drop disease that women tend to suffer from. The signs flashing discounted rates at up to 70 per cent increased my heartbeat rate and I did not know whether I should faint mentally or keep myself alert so I can join the shopping frenzy. I think I got drunk just reading through it as I saw the names of my favourite local and international brands listed such as French Connection, Mango (MNG), G2000, Esprit, Salabianca, Roxy, Guess— my eyes blurred. Oh my, I knew at once that a weekend of shopping at 1Borneo would not be enough for a first timer like me.

And ladies, there is a MAC store at 1Borneo! Together with other big name brands in the cosmetic and skincare industry such as The Body Shop, Clinique and Stila (at Tunes, 1Borneo's flagship store) you can spoil your beautiful self silly here. Coming up soon is Make Up store, another international brand.

Once you are done satiating your retail addiction then satisfy your tastebuds with the many food and beverages outlets strategically located at corners besides the ones at the Gourmet Lane on the Ground Floor. We had dinner at Jaws, a seafood restaurant and the crispy chicken is to die for, I tell you! After hearing about a scrumptious dessert at New York, New York one of the restaurants there I was psyched to hear that we would be having lunch there the next day.

The Malaysia Savings Sale (MSS) combining the pleasure of shopping and benefits of saving was recently launched on November 30 by the Minister of Tourism, Dato'Sri Azalina Dato' Othman Said. Shoppers who spend at 1Borneo up to RM299 ($130) in a single receipt are entitled to redeem household products or apply for 1Borneo trendy card offering discounts at participating outlets in most of stores in this mall. For those who spend more than that amount, you get 1Borneo's platinum card for more discounts at more stores.

If there was ever a better time to head to 1Borneo and have a look and see, now is the perfect time. Whether you decide to drive or book a flight down to KK, make sure you reserve a room at any of the hotels at 1Borneo to avoid the hassle of having to travel from wherever you are to shop at Borneo's largest hypermall!

The Brunei Times